2014 Honda Ridgeline First Look

Despite Rumors to the Contrary, the Ridgeline Is Back—and Gets a Special Edition

Visually, the Ridgeline hasn't changed all that much over the lifetime of the vehicle, but Honda has offered special editions and new trim levels of the truck to Ridgeline fans. Before model-year 2014, the most recent addition had been the Ridgeline Sport. Now, Honda has introduced the topline Special Edition model, which will go on sale in November.

The Special Edition joins the lineup at the very top, above the RT, Sport, RTS, and RTL. It comes with features such as a power moonroof, black leather interior, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, foglights, XM Satellite Radio, and ambient console lighting, like in the RTL, and adds its own new amenities as well. Styling features include 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with black accents on the spokes, plus Special Edition badging on the tailgate. What also sets this apart from the rest of the lineup are other styling cues, borrowed from the Sport, which include black headlight and brake housings, black honeycomb grille with black surround, and a black tailgate. Other standard items are Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System 2 with Voice Recognition and Zagat Survey info, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera display. The Special Edition will come in Taffeta White, Crystal Black, and Alabaster Silver. Power comes from the tried-and-true 3.5-liter VTEC V-6, which puts out 250 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. It's backed by a five-speed automatic. Towing capacity is unchanged, at 5000 pounds. Fuel economy is expected to be consistent with the rest of the line: 15 mpg city, 21 highway.

"Honda's commitment to the truck segment is underscored by the new special edition model of the 2014 Honda Ridgeline," said John Mendel, executive vice president of Sales at American Honda. "The increased customer interest in Ridgeline this year demonstrates the important role Ridgeline will continue to play in the Honda lineup." According to Honda, the Ridgeline has enjoyed double-digit sales growth in 2013. With that level of sales success, it makes sense to keep the truck around.

Pricing for the Ridgeline SE starts at $38,335, including destination, which is the same MSRP as the Ridgeline RTL with leather and Navi. Those interested in learning more about the 2014 Ridgeline can visit http://automobiles.honda.com/ridgeline.